Firms Settle Dispute, to Build Casino

International Thoroughbred Breeders Inc. and Las Vegas Entertainment Network Inc. said they will proceed with plans to build a new casino-hotel on the Las Vegas Strip after settling a dispute over the project. The project, expected to open in the first quarter of 1998, will have a country and western theme and be called CountryLand USA. Details about the facility’s size, cost and financing weren’t available. ITB bought the site of the former El Rancho Hotel property in January 1996 from Las Vegas Entertainment, which retained an interest in it. Plans to build Starship Orion, a $1-billion complex with six casinos, fizzled and the two started started feuding. Cherry Hill, N.J.-based ITB last month replaced its management team when the company’s former chairman and chief executive, Robert Brennan, sold his 23% stake. Las Vegas Entertainment, a Marina del Rey-based TV program syndicator, said its Casino-Co unit will manage the new facility.